Easy Seeding with a Sun Joe Scarifier (aka dethatcher)

In this video, Chris shows how he used a Sun Joe scarifier to prepare his lawn for Fall over-seeding. The scarifier removed dead grass and thinned the lawn to enhance seed-to-soil contact. Chris seeded with Turf Type Tall Fescue from GCI Turf. He also applied X-Start starter fertilizer and Mag-i-Cal soil conditioner at the same time.
➤➤Learn more about TOJA Grid pergolas at handydad.tv/toja
Affiliate links to products in this video:
➤➤SunJoe Scarifier - handydad.tv/48o1
➤➤Soil Probe - handydad.tv/oh53
➤➤Soil Test Kit - handydad.tv/ymst
➤➤GCI Turf Seed - handydad.tv/gseed
➤➤X-Start Fertilizer - handydad.tv/ymxs
➤➤Mag-i-Cal - handydad.tv/mcal
Related videos:
"Overseeding with GCI Turf Fescue and X-START" (2019) - • Overseeding with GCI T...
"Extreme Lawn Repair" (2017) - • Extreme Lawn Repair
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[@vansage2691]

The garden weasel is nice for those bare spots. Saw Pete use had to try it and it’s no joke that easy to use. Just did the same process with the sun joe and my yard is coming back around after getting the crap beat out of it with the sun joe. So happy with the results

[@handydadtv]

I gave my Garden Weasel to my son-in-law, but it’ll be used on an upcoming episode of The Living Flip.

[@sj7601]

I used my Sun Joe this spring and loved it -- couldn't believe how much thatch came up! Wish I had motivation to use it and overseed this fall.. but I do not have irrigation and plan on moving soon, so we will see.

[@handydadtv]

If you’re moving, don’t bother. Just heavy fertilizer to make it show nicely.

[@familybarton]

Great to see you in the lawn! I appreciate your patience to show us soil testing AND the results as well as overseeding AND germination. It's gonna look great. I got a Sun Joe this year, and it is exactly what I've needed.

[@handydadtv]

It’s a workhorse! Josh and I just got done using it for a partial renovation on The Living Flip. Very impressed.

[@adriennearlotta4083]

I just did mine as well. The Sun Joe is an awesome tool to have. Over seeded with KGB and Rye.

[@handydadtv]

I was impressed too

[@rangepro]

I borrowed my neighbor's sun joe>>>IT WAS ASWESOME! amazing what that little machine will do. I used it for 3 days got 18 bags of thatch out of my yard!.. However i will wait till spring and aerate and seed! taking care of a yard is a lot of work!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@tomdaahiell7322]

@@handydadtv I can't get the bolts to attach to the bottom of the machine. They don't screw in. SunJoe doesn't offer any support!

[@tonypmedia]

Can't wait for the follow up video, we just got our first home and our lawn is destroyed! Tilling it all the way or i'll dig out the crabgrass but it's totally done. Thatch is THICK!!!

[@Kevmack124]

Good luck on your new home

[@Dubiels]

Glad to see that you can still play in your lawn even though you don’t necessarily have to maintain it. It’s almost the best of both worlds

[@handydadtv]

My thoughts exactly! Love this size.

[@Dstromb232]

Nice house! My brothers soil at his home has a lot of sand in it too and it just ate up the mower blades so he had 2 truck loads of top soil put over his lawn to cover up the sand and no more blade loss. But a great lawn.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@handydadtv]

And I like having a much smaller lawn!

[@mudagirl]

Bruh...I literally laughed out loud when I saw you spilled the seed......much love bro. We've all been there....thanks for sharing.

[@handydadtv]

I hate that spreader so much!

[@SuperTA329]

Great video. I'm also from NJ and my soil results also shows high phosphorus. I went phos free this year and phos level only dropped 2 points. High in calcium and PH good. Just did a full reno to my front lawn using bluebank KBG. I was happy to see this morning ( 7 days ) some germination. 🌱🌱🌱 in the middle of prepping backyard for an overseed hopefully by tomorrow. I hope NJ weather is on my side . I look forward to seeing how your overseed looks. Very exciting ti.e planting new grass. 👍🏻

[@handydadtv]

I got a lot of rain right after seeding so I was really lucky this year.

[@DIYDad1]

That sunjoe is a beast isn’t it? I find myself using it more and more often lol. Spring and fall use for sure at a minimum. It’s like a slit seeder and a dethatcher all in one!

[@handydadtv]

Yeah I used it three times this Fall and it’s done a great job.

[@johnsmithson8020]

@@handydadtv They are the worst spreaders by far. They get stuck open so easy, and then just dump. I bought a Lesco. Not cheap, but well worth it.

[@jamzach4]

Just did the same exact thing last weekend. Hoping to see some little, beautiful babies this weekend. Great video. Looking forward to watching the progress

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@JWC718]

That sunjoe is amazing! Hopefully the HOA doesn't interfere too much with your efforts

[@handydadtv]

Hope not!

[@michaelgossett1415]

Clear, concise and straight to the point. Thank you for posting.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@nartkhonako8759]

Great to be back at lawn care 👍 I did the same this fall and hoping it will show next spring 🙏

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Nothing says home ownership better than taking care of your own lawn.

[@handydadtv]

It is very satisfying.

[@SteenHolm134]

Oh yes! Taking care of your home! Why are your american houses so ugly and poorly built?

[@m.cerullo3473]

Hope you do a follow up to this video, would love to see how the yard looks coming out of winter. Let your domination over the neighbors begin.

[@handydadtv]

Coming soon

[@kristinanairn9083]

@@handydadtv Did you ever end up doing the follow up video? Thanks so much for sharing this info. I just tried my Sun Joe for the first time today!

[@handydadtv]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oae9l4uNd9V5rMU

[@AldoSubrotoPamudji]

I was so happy to see your video about lawn

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@YardGuy]

Great stuff Chris! I did my first renovation this year. It was a bit nerve wracking at first, but the area is starting to fill in nicely, so I think I must have done a good job.

[@handydadtv]

Indeed it is nerve wracking! Especially waiting for germination!

[@YardGuy]

@@handydadtv That is definitely the worst part!

[@Dan-ef4jz]

Nice backyard! Peace and quiet back there

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed!

[@lxiong1077]

Good to see you back!!! I’m sure it’ll look amazing just like your last house!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@ericrebert1378]

Congratulations on the new place. I cant say enough on how happy I am to see you still ready to dominate in the lawn. Keep up the good work!! Ps it was a sad day when you said it was the last time I'm cutting the lawn. Show the pros how its done right.

[@handydadtv]

LOL thanks 😊

[@kylepoppie4087]

Looking forward to the spring follow up video on this!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@LuisReyes-eh1ex]

thanks for sharing; buying myself a Sun Joe today!!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@timthomson7192]

You sound like a good man!!!!!!!!!

[@handydadtv]

I try

[@MilosStevanovic1]

I am just working on my lawn and you got all videos I need.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much.

[@jimbobba0233]

Good to see you back on the lawn Chris. I love my little Sun Joe, detach on highest setting every spring, scarifier on the lowest every fall. It is a little powerhouse. Carbon Earth products spring/fall and Milo in summer is all my turf sees now. Curious how your going to do having the HOA putting down Chemicals/Fert? Haha

[@handydadtv]

I’m still working on that. They won’t tell me how much N is applied with each app. They provide the MSDS, but not the rate. So it’s a crap shoot. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@norseguy89]

Just bought my house and the grass being heinz 57 needed serious work and I wanted to do something temporary until I renovate. I had to take the bag off. Way too much material. The blower is a pro tip can't believe I didn't do that.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@EastCoastReefer]

I can tell it’s already a success. Great job!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@i3oosted]

Like the music.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@KatherineTheGr8t]

Excellent video and I took notes on everything used and in-order. Wow you did a thorough job...thanks buddy ! (Nice place, looks like the ideal home: lawn, flower beds, vehicle, even your "yard work clothes" alive and well - anywhere USA : D

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@movingforward1981]

Loving this video, I’ve just begun looking at sorting my lawn out and documenting it a it’s things like this that really help ;-)

[@handydadtv]

Thanks and good luck with your channel!

[@LawnImprovement]

Awesome work and video!! Looking forward seed the domination in your new home!!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 👍🏻

[@williamhunter1959]

Nice, I hope to have similar results!

[@handydadtv]

You will!

[@virgilkennedy6692]

Looking good !

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@mattcondit356]

Sun Joe works great with our Sandy beach/pine Barrens jersey soil. Saw you have the typical high phos soil. Still think xstart is the way to go? I debate if I would use starter fert around here again.

[@handydadtv]

I bought it before I got the soil test results (rookie move btw). But I agree I should use low or no-phos going forward.

[@Dstromb232]

Nice to watch again!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@rainman7992]

that is a lot of trouble....I cannot wait to see the results of all that work.

[@ULTIMATEGAMINGrs]

glad i found you cause i pretty much live next to you so what you go through i am to lol plus good stuff man

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@lisah6076]

Nice job

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@popeyeyankee5477]

Easy with the blower on the lawn. It disrupts the soil structure and makes it hard for the grass roots to grow

[@handydadtv]

I never had a problem using the leaf blower on the lawn. I’ll be doing a follow up in a couple of weeks so we’ll see how it recovered.

[@popeyeyankee5477]

It hurts the lawn only if you use the leaf blower close to the lawn. I'm talking about blowing in between the grass blades trying to get anything that falls from the trees.

[@baraths7463]

Great job sir ! and very motivating

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 👍🏻

[@colinmacdonald5169]

Enjoying your new house?

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed! Thanks 😊

[@williammorales8204]

Noob here, is this because of mulching or is there thatching always required?

[@handydadtv]

I only used it to thin the grass so I would get better seed-to-soil contact. I generally don’t dethatch because it generates so much garbage and it’s a lot of work to remove.

[@vinnypinatelli221]

I bought a green works one and it's ok I just wish it came with the scarification one also but it dont!!!

[@handydadtv]

Good to know

[@troutman1951]

Hey Chris, did you use the power rake roller or the scarifier blade roller? Thanks for the video.

[@handydadtv]

The scarifier. I didn’t try the rake.

[@owenjennings8575]

Very nice presentation.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@brianwaskow5910]

HOA do they have conformity camps for retraining.

[@handydadtv]

Ugh it sucks. I’m ready to buy a small mower of my own!! April 19th and it still hasn’t been mowed for the first time. 😠

[@lisah6076]

Need a soil amendment for that compaction

[@handydadtv]

Yes

[@ericfraserlovett9069]

Someone's been watching The Lawn Care Nut.....

[@handydadtv]

Religiously 👍🏻

[@bruceadonnelly69]

Thankyou for the video! Just used my new Sun Joe!! Love it! Thatched today, going to scarily tommorrow and overseed etc.. in NJ also, what seed do you recommend?

[@handydadtv]

It’s too early; seedlings won’t survive the heat and scarifying will over stress your lawn. Wait until the end of August to do this when the nights turn cool.

[@tengtouxiong7996]

When is the best time to start this process? I live in MN.

[@handydadtv]

I only seed in the Fall. Some people dethatch in the Spring, but I don’t.

[@shawnmiller684]

I’m in a similar boat. For MN, the best time to dethatcher/aerate/overseed is early fall (late September, early October) 5-8 weeks before the first frost. The second best time is early spring, though you might be able to stretch that into early June with extra water and cool wet conditions if you’re lucky. Personally, I’m overseeding early this June in MN, which is a little late in the season to start growing new seed, but I’ll follow up in the fall.

[@gdeepak02]

I saw that you had some grass in your lawn before you used the snowjoe. Would this work if I use it on bare land to break down some hard clay soil before seeding or should I call some landscaping company to do that real plug aeration first. Please let me know your thoughts.

[@ronniecardy]

Lots of work to keep it like that

[@handydadtv]

I’m enjoying this small lawn. It only took a couple of hours. The old place would have been an entire weekend.

[@angeloguzman1426]

Get info, thanks. I live in the South Texas, so when do you think would be a good time to start the work you spoke about? Fall or Spring?

[@handydadtv]

I only seed in the Fall.

[@jellyjenn12291]

do you have a follow up video to show how well the grass grew in? I'm needing to over seed and would like to know if the Sun Joe is worth it or if I should just rent a machine

[@handydadtv]

Sorry, I don’t. I was extremely pleased with the results though.

[@TheLawngineer]

Do you have any control over the HOA landscapers? Like, can you tell them not to mow the yard to allow the seed to come up?

[@handydadtv]

Yes. One of my neighbors strung caution tape to keep the mowers off.

[@maherarabi7054]

Hi . I am trying to do the same. I bought a new house and the lawn is a mess. I want to ask you do you use the detacher or the scarifier as well. Also about the fertilizer do you seed and fertilize on the same day or you need to space it. Thank you very much

[@handydadtv]

I used the scarifier attachment, which has the tines, not the springs. You should seed and use starter fertilizer at the same time. Watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5bLaKV4bNJ9e7c

[@worldpeace5853]

Where is the follow up video please? Also, GCI turf does not sell smaller sizes. I think they have huge lbs bags plus charge for shipping as well. I barely need for less than 1500 sq feet to over seed and I am so disappointed that the minimum bag is $85! I will have to use for the sake of reusing next year but not sure about the germination rates after a year. Same with their starter fertilizer as well. What will I do with a 45 lbs bag?! By the way was this a pure TTTF or did you mix KBG as well?

[@handydadtv]

I used pure TTTF. Good seed isn’t cheap. You don’t need to use it all in one year. It’ll keep a couple years if you keep it dry.

[@worldpeace5853]

@@handydadtv Agree on you get what you pay for. I put Jonathan Green last year. This company is also from NJ. How does GCI compare to this or greenview? BTW did you put the follow up video?

[@handydadtv]

No follow-up video yet. Jonathan Green Black Beauty is good seed and you can get smaller amounts. I’ve never used it but a lot of guys love it.

[@worldpeace5853]

@@handydadtv Looking forward for the follow up this spring.

[@chinov9445]

And my babies were born 🤣🤙🏾

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@PhiMobileSounds]

It's spring time now, what are we looking like now?

[@handydadtv]

My lawn looks incredible right now but the landscaper hasn’t mowed it yet so it’s not “camera ready”. I’ll definitely share an update soon. Follow on Instagram @HandyDadTV

[@PhiMobileSounds]

@@handydadtv Thanks for the video, i think i have made up my mind on what i am going get now for my yard.

[@handydadtv]

Ok good

[@cyclingvideosandmore]

You’re killing that young tree shown at the start of the vid by mounding up the mulch at the base. What are you thinking???

[@handydadtv]

That's they way they were installed when the house was built. It's not all mulch; they don't bury the root balls completely. I'm not sure why they do it like that.

[@khronicpain7691]

Nice.

[@Supanova70]

no weed control? how was your results?

[@handydadtv]

Really good. The scarifier helped for sure.

[@idahospyder1620]

I'm looking at getting the dethatcher, can you replace individual tines if they break? TIA

[@handydadtv]

I think you’d probably need to replace the whole spindle. I’ve hit rocks and nothing broke. But it should continue to work fine with a broken tine or two if it happens.

[@PCConditioning]

I'm not sure if I should use GCI Turf Type Fescue or the Cool Blue or Jonathan Greene Black Beauty Ultra. I am in Boston and am having trouble getting my lawn in order.

[@handydadtv]

KBG takes a long time to establish. In Boston, I’m afraid you’ve missed the window this year. Although fescue germinates faster, it still may be a little late in the season. The first frost could wipe out your grass babies. Ideally, you’d want to seed at the end of August or early September.

[@sbond1963]

Scott’s spreaders doing what they do. Get stuck open

[@handydadtv]

They truly suck.

[@sbond1963]

@@handydadtv indeed. I’ve been “burned” by it, lol. I’m looking for something that isn’t hugely expensive. Lot of good reviews for the Echo RB-60. Do you have any suggestions for a good spreader?

[@handydadtv]

I never tried the Echo; I use the Earthway 2050P. kzbin.info/www/bejne/il6YlKF-jq2Anbc

[@ffighter6932]

Which head did you use the dethatcher or the scarifier?

[@handydadtv]

Scarifier

[@omnisolutionsllc6911]

Are you using the scarifier or the dethatching blade here. This sun Joe comes with both

[@handydadtv]

The rigid one. I think that’s the scarifier.

[@rodneyzurek4900]

Why didn’t you use the scarifier it comes with ? Lot less work than raking!

[@charlenemackason6395]

👌🏽

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@danbrown6529]

What attachment do you like to use on the Sun Joe for seed prep?

[@handydadtv]

I used the rigid one (scarifier).

[@tangoseal1]

HOA! Cant even run a leaf blower in your front yard>?

[@handydadtv]

Did I say that? I can run a leaf blower.

[@joeweatlu5169]

Did you use the scarifier of the dethatch blade on the SunJoe? Also, is this a good time to dethatch? Thanks for the video.

[@brianbanks3044]

looks like he used just the dethatcher....if he used the scarifier, the yard would have looked more torn up

[@handydadtv]

I used the scarifier in my yard (this video) on the -5 setting so it didn’t go too deep. I also used it at the -10 setting for a partial renovation at my daughter’s. That will be shown in an upcoming episode of The Living Flip.

[@manpham9048]

Hi, what is the best time to overseeing this fall? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

You could go nuts trying to time it by soil temperature, but my rule of thumb is to seed when it starts to get cool at night. Like you need a light jacket or sweatshirt. For me, in New Jersey, that’s usually right after Labor Day.

[@robzzzzzz1]

Can you please tell me what extension cord you use with this ? I’m having trouble finding the one they suggest on the tag

[@handydadtv]

Tag? What tag? 🤣 Seriously I didn’t pay attention to their recommendation. I just used a long extension cord that I already had. It worked fine.

[@robzzzzzz1]

@@handydadtv ok then I’m going to do the same 🤣 thanks for the reply

[@RMassey86]

Might want to knock down those piles of mulch around your trees. They look way too high and that much can be bad for the trees

[@handydadtv]

The root balls were installed high so it’s not all mulch. Not sure why landscapers do that, but the don’t bury the root balls completely.

[@algorel4763]

Too many ads!

[@Nagarjunapathuri]

What seed was used, i live in PA

[@handydadtv]

I like Turf Type Tall Fescue from GCI Turf.

[@Nagarjunapathuri]

@@handydadtv thank you, and my builder put some grass seed mix and resulting too much crabgrass, i think the mix is from American eagle brand, i did not come across it on google but they used. Can you recommend some crab grads prevention methods

[@handydadtv]

Prevent it in Spring. If you already have it, you need to spot spray with a post-emergent herbicide. Be careful because you can get collateral damage of your good grass if you spray in the heat.

[@ds1755]

Ummm I don’t think you are supposed to be cutting your grass. The people at 5:03 looked at you like,”What in the world is this new guy doing!” HOA is gonna send you a nice note asking to turn over your spreader, sun joe & any other lawn equipment you may have. 🤣😂😂

[@handydadtv]

I am a fish out of water in this community. My neighbors do nothing themselves. Inside or out.

[@ds1755]

@@handydadtv lol then that explains why they had the crazy stare.. 🤣🤣

[@fudhater8592]

Good God please normalize your audio

[@jimnewman9432]

Video says spreading seeds with a sun joe, which you didn't. Also the sun joe you used isn't meant for a football field.. Also this video was so boring.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@MichaelMantion]

I have been watching you for years, never missed an show. I unsubbed. Good bye. I told you why 3 times you didn't care. good luck.

[@handydadtv]

Sorry I can’t please everyone.